This afternoon, traveled north of Santa Barbara to a favorite canyon that I visit each spring, for flower and butterfly photography - only to find that there were hardly any flowers. There were just a few poppies and lupine flowering in scattered locations, and very few butterflies. The rainfall this year is the lowest since the late 1890’s.

In order not to waste the time and gas spent in going to the canyon, decided to return via Alisal Road, another favorite place. There too, there were very few flowers and a just few more butterflies. Birds were singing all along the road, but did not have my bird lens - definitely required for the high and far trees on this road.

However, there are wonderful oaks in the area, and thought that a session of oak photography was called for. Many trees are covered with lichen. Lichens growing on trees do not harm them; they use the trees for physical support. Lichens normally grow on trees where there is sufficient light and air circulation, and since they are sensitive to air pollution, prefer air-pollution-free areas.

(Funereal Duskywing seen briefly along the road - click image for larger picture)

(A Valley Oak growing new leaves, and covered with lichen - click image for larger picture)

(Valley Oak against a backdrop of mostly Coast Live Oak - click image for larger picture)

(Coast Live Oak with lichen - click image for larger picture)

Links of Interest
Oak Tree Health
Maintaining Oak Tree Health